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"Let me keep my mind on what matters Which is mostly standing still And learning to be astonished"

~ Mary Oliver ~

Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Amazing Lauren!

Lauren, I just opened your pixel self-portrait, sent by your
mom. As I’ve known all along, and is so
easy to see here -- what an amazing and artistically talented person you are! I just love those shades! How you got those lighting effects on the elevated
cheekbones and recessed jaw line is way beyond my comprehension. From my earliest memories of you, Lauren, you
were creating and creative. Yes, it was
playdough in the early days and wonderful family drawings. But now you have grown to incorporate the
advances of technology into your own handwork.
I am in awe!

Lauren in Action Academy t-shirt from Me to We camp, 2010

Today, you, Lauren, and your brother, Owen, are attending We
Day in Toronto. You are placing yourselves
among those who pledge to make change in the world, no small endeavour. I know that you have attended a Me to We camp
and participated firsthand in this wonderful program for and by young people to
free children in countries where children’s rights are so diminished that many
have no clean water, or schools, or even homes that could be considered safe
shelters. How proud it makes me feel to
know that my granddaughter and now my grandson are interested and committed to
such compassionate efforts and action in the world!

What an incredible treat for me to have had you and your
family here at my place for two weeks during the summer this year. It was wonderful that you all could come for
Uncle Jamie’s wedding! Lauren, you are
growing up so fast – yes, same height as Bubbie now – and who knows what
heights you’ll eventually reach! I was
fascinated to watch you doing your beadwork, and gimp work, always making
necklaces or bracelets, creating gifts for others. You always helped to clear your place at the
table and were so capable in the kitchen, not hesitating to put something
together for yourself to eat. I had fun
making lime meringue pie with you!

I
noticed small things, too – when I took you to buy some beads and tools, you
kept telling me that you didn’t need this and you didn’t need that – “That’s
ok; that’s ok,” you repeated – I knew you were worried that I was spending too
much money on you. And if I didn’t have
a particular product you wanted, you also kept repeating that same, “that’s ok;
that’s ok,” not wanting to put me out in any way. Although I wouldn’t begrudge getting you
anything that I could, it felt good to see how considerate you are, focused
beyond yourself, and again I felt very proud.
We went to see many sights while you were here, but I confess that my favourites
were just staying home and baking challah together, or playing Scrabble or
cards, and yes, frying up just a few more bacon rashers!! It’s the simple things of being together that
are important, and I treasure every moment I get to spend with you.

You looked so beautiful at Uncle Jamie’s wedding, all
dressed up as a Junior Bridesmaid, complete with make-up, high-heeled shoes and
all! You were great at taking charge of
the younger members of the bridal party and keeping them in tow.

Yes, Lauren, you are growing up to be such a fine young
woman with a big heart and everything it takes to make your way successfully in
the world. Don’t be afraid to follow
your dreams, even if the going gets scary.
You can be scared -- and do it, anyway!
Best of luck in getting into an arts high school! Lots of courage in trying out for the school
musical this year! Let the world see the
light you have to share!